Maritime day shapes and display system therefor

ABSTRACT

A maritime signaling apparatus for use on a marine vessel comprises collapsible day shapes, a rod pivotally hung from the yardarm of the vessel for displaying the day shapes which are separated a predetermined distance by spacer tubes, and means for automatically opening the day shapes as they are hoisted up the rod by a halyard line. The device is designed such that the day shapes may be supported by the halyard line and rod individually or in combination.

United States Patent 1191 Gouedy 1 11-11 3,818,857 [451 June 25, 1974" 1 1 MARITIME DAY SHAPES AND DISPLAY SYSTEM THEREFOR [76] Inventorz Lucien L. Gouedy, PO. Box 628,

I Ponchatoula, La. 70454 [22] Filed: Aug. 24,1973

[21] Appl. No.5 391,480

1521 U.S. c1. 116/132 R, 116/1141: 51 1111.0. ..G0ld 21/00 [58] Field Of Search 116/114 R, DIG. 9, 132;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1864 Rodgers 116/132 R 6/1894 Gardner 116/114 R 901,677 10/190 Boyd .Q ..116/132R 1,106,788 8/1914 Danenhower 116/132 R 3,470,845 10/1969 VMignano ,1 116/114 Primary Examiner -Lou'is J. Capozi Attorney, Agent, or FirmBrdwdy and Niemark [57] ABSTRACT A maritime signaling apparatus for use on a marine vessel comprises collapsible day shapes, :1 rod pivotally hung from the yardarm of the vessel for displaying the day shapes which are separated a predetermined distance by spacer tubes, and means for automatically opening the day shapes as they are hoisted up the rod by a halyard line. The device is designed such that the day shapes may be supported by the halyard line and rod individually or in combination.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures A FMENTEB JUNZS I974 SHEET 1 0F 2 \NJ i by FIG. 4

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a visual signaling system, and, more particularly to rigid plastic day shapes, used by maritime vessels for signaling which are. collapsible and which use a system of ropes and a stabiliz ing rod which is pivotally hung from the yardarm of a ship for suspending the day shapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION To facilitate consideration and discussion, prior art maritime signaling devices may be categorized into two general types. The first type includes flexible day shapes, such as those made of wire and cloth, which are suspended from the mast or halyard of a ship by arope. The flexible day shapes are collapsible to facilitate folding and stowing. V

The other type includes rigid metallic day shapes which are non-collapsible. These signals are too heavy to be hung by rope rigging alone, therefore, a heavy duty frame assembly which carries the signals is also used.

The major problems with the collapsible day shapes are that they lose their shape in the wind and they are subject to deterioration by the weather. The metallic day shapes suffer mainly from their rigidness and weight which makes them difficult to stow, handle or display. Also, the metallic shapes are liable to cut their rigging resulting in their falling on deck or overboard and, thereby creating the possibility of personal or property damage. Further, the metallic day shapes are likely to interfere with the ship's compass, radar or other electronic equipment which are prevalent on modern day vessels.

In general, the prior art systems for supporting the day shapes, either flexible or metallic, suffer for lack of a safety feature which would prevent the suspended day shapes from falling in case of halyard failure. Also,

when rope rigging alone is utilizedthe prior art systems often lack sufficient rigidity to prevent the day shapes fromblowing into other signals or equipment.

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION The shortcomings of prior art maritime signaling devices are satisfactorily overcome by the instant invention. An object of the present invention is thus to over come the defects of the prior art, such as indicated above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly visible day shape.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for improved visual signaling.

Another object is to provide a lightweight day shape which is capable of being easily stowed, handled and displayed.

Another object is to provide a rigid collapsible day shape which is self contained, e.g., having no separate locking means, etc., and is spark proof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a day shape suspension system for maritime vessels which has little or no effect on radar,'electronic equipment, compasses, and the like.

Yet another object is to provide a day shape suspension system which is rigid and, thereby keeps the day shapes from blowing into other signals or equipment.

Still another object is a safety feature which supports the day shapes in case of halyard failure and vice versa, while maintaining the proper spacing of the day shapes.

In furtherance of these and other objects, a principal feature of the present invention is a collapsible day shape made of rigid plastic which does not lose its shape in the wind and does not deteriorate in the weather. Another feature of the invention is a fiberglass or the like tube or rod for carrying the day shapes and supporting them in case of halyard failure, the tube or rod being pivotally suspended by its upper end from the ships yardarm or mast.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide day shapes which may be used without the instant suspension, by simply hanging them from a halyard. A further feature of the invention is a day shape and suspension system therefor which have no'metal parts to interfere with the ships compass, radar or other electronic equipment. v

The day shapes and suspension system of the instant invention is characterized by rigid spark-proof plastic or fiberglass signal shapes which are hinged about a tube, thereby allowing them to be run up a fiberglass or plastic rod, tube or cable. The fiberglass or plastic tube, pipe, rod or cable keeps the-signals or day shapes from tilting in windy weather and assures that they will not fall overboard or onto the deck if the hoist line or halyard breaks. Thus, the double safety features work such that in case of rod breakage the halyard line supports the entire system and in case of halyard breakage the entire system is supported by the fiberglass rod which is suspended from the yardarm or mast.

Veins or ribs which provide for the strengthening of the day shapes and locking means are offset to allow for flat folding and compact stowage. The day shapes themselves are opened by a pair of rope slings strung therethrough. The day shapes are strung in a manner that allows one rope sling to break while the other rope sling holds the day shape open and suspended. Also, spacer tubes may be slid over the rod between the day shapes to hold the day shapes at proper intervals in case of halyard failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, a possible embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, it being understood that this embodiment is merely exemplary.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a wing assembly which comprises one half of an embodiment of the day shape.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an open and strung day shape.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the day shape of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an opened day shape taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a folded day shape taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the day shapes and suspension system therefor as hung from an existing yardarm of a vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a circular or round wing assembly which comprises one half of the day shape. The wing assembly includes two approximately coplanar wings l2 and 13 and a tubular portion 11 which extends therebetween and diametrically across approximately one half of the wing assembly. Such wings 12 and 13, shown to be semicircular, are integral with the tubular portion 11 and extend substantially radially therefrom. The wings l2 and 13 lie in slightly different parallel planes which are off set from the axis of the tubular portion 11 for reasons to be described more fully hereinafter.

The diametrical portionof the wing assembly which is not occupied by the tubular portion 11 forms a slot 14 between wings l2 and 13. The slot 14 receives the tubular portion of a-similar wing assembly in such a way I that the interior ends 9 of the two tubular portions abut with one another. Therefore, the width of the slot 14 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubular portion 11.

L-shaped ribs 15 and 16 may be employed to strengthen those portions of the wings which are not integral with tubular portion 11. As shown, the ribs 15 and 16 are located on opposite surfaces of wings 12 and 13, respectively. One leg of each of the L-shaped ribs is located adjacent to the slot 14 and is approximately the same length thereas. The other leg of each L- shaped rib l5 and 16 forms approximately a 90 angle with the first leg and extends outward from the inner end thereof to the circumferential edge of each wing 12 and 13, respectively.

Located substantially diametrically opposite one another are locks 17 and 18 which are protrusions extending radially from the tubular portion 11. The locks 17 and 18, like the wings l2 and 13, are also offset and each includes a flat radially extending surface 30 (see FIG. 5) which forms an abutting surface for accommodating a wing edge of the other wing assembly. The locks extend approximately the length of the tubular portion 11 and are positioned such that when the complete day shape is fully opened the two wing assemblies will be locked substantially perpendicular to one another (see FIG. I).

The day shape also comprises eight apertures 19-26 through which an rope rop sling (not shown) is strung for opening the complete day shape. Four apertures 23-26 are situated adjacent the slot 14 while the other four holes 19-22 are located adjacent to the tubular portion 11. The apertures 23-26 form substantially an isosceles trapezoid, the shortest parallel side of which is located nearest the open end of slot 14. Apertures 23-26 and 19-22 are symmetrical about a diameter which is perpendicular to the axis of tubular portion 11. Also, apertures 21-24 and 19, 20, 25, 26 are symetrical about the axis of the tubular portion 11. Similarly, apertures 19, 20, 25, 26 and apertures 21-24 form two isosceles trapezoids which are symmetrical as described above.

The general configuration of the apertures is functionally important because the angle of the lines connecting the apertures as defined by the above described configuration eliminates the possibility of cutting the rope slings which pass therethroughrAlthough FIG. 1 shows a circular or round wing assembly, it should be noted that any desired geometrical design or configuration may be utilized (e.g., see FIG. 6).

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, there is shown a completely assembled day shape. The tubular portions 11 and 11 (see FIG. 2) of two identical wing assemblies 10 and 10 which are mated in each others slot as described above, are rotatably hinged about a fiberglass or plastic hinge tube 35 (see FIG. 4). If desired a washer bearing may be inserted between the two tubular portions. The hinge tube 35, which is slightly longer than the length or diameter of the day shape, includes outwardly extending flanges 4'7, 47' on both ends for maintaining the two wing assemblies in a mated condition.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in the open position wings 13 and 12 of wing assembly 10 are engaged by locks 17 and 18' respectively, of wing assembly 10. As can be seen, the offset locks 17' and 18 of wing assembly 10' permit the wings l3 and 12 of wing assembly 10 to be locked in a substantially perpendicular relationship with wings 12' and 13' ofwing assembly 10. Rope sling 43 connects wing 13' of wing assembly 10 with wing 12 of wing assembly 10, while rope sling 44 connects 13 of wing assembly 10 with wing 12 of wing assembly 10'. The rope sling stringing, to be described more fully hereinafter, is employed to open the day shape while doubling as a brace which gives great strength to the entire day shape, once the day shape has been opened.

In the closed position, as shown in FIG. 5, the offset wings 12, 12' and 13, 13' provide space for the accommodation of the L-shaped ribs l5, l5 and l6, 16, respectively, and the rope slings 43 and 44. As can be seen, the wing assemblies assume a substantially parallel relationship when the day shape is in the closed positron.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown the precise manner of stringing the day shapes. To facilitate consideration and discussion, inward will be used to denote a direction toward the central vertical axis of the day shape (defined by rod 36 in FIG. 2), while outward will denote a direction away from the vertical axis. As best depicted in FIG. 2, an endless rope sling 44 passes inwardly through apertures 25 and 21' of wing assemblies 10 and 10, respectively, and then outwardly through apertures 26 and 22 of wing assemblies l0 and 10, respectively. Strands 44' and 44 of rope sling 44 which have just passed outwardly through aperture 26 of wing assembly 10 and aperture 22' of wing assembly 10', respectively, are crossed and passed inwardly through aperture 23 of wing assembly 10 and aperture 19 of wing assembly 10, respectively. Finally the rope sling 44 passes outwardly through apertures 20 and 24 of wing assemblies 10 and 10', respectively. It should be noted that the day shapes must be strung so that the X made by the rope sling faces the side of the wing assemblies which do not carry the L-shaped ribs. If the rope sling is crossed on the side with the L- shaped ribs, it would be impossible to fold the day shape completely flat. Also, any other stringing arrangement which would cause the wing assemblies to open when acted on by a force produced by the halyard line is contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of rope sling 44 strung through apertures 25, 26, 19 and 20 in wing 13 of wing assembly 10, in the manner described above. Similarly, rope sling 43 is shown strung t r through apertures 20', 19', 26', and 25 in wing 13' of wing assembly As shown, the rope slings 43 and 44 are connected at their uppermost and lowermost ends by endless grommets 46, 46', the use of which will be more fully described below. It should be understood that one rope sling is sufficient to hold the day shape open and that the use of two rope slings is merely a safety feature which allows one rope sling to break without destroying the utility of the device. Also, the functions of rod 36 and spacers 48 which abut the tube hinge flanges 47 will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown a plurality of navigational day shapes comprising wing assemblies 10 and 10' and a system for displaying the same. The suspension system is designed for easy installation on board any conventional sailing vessel-having a deck 74, mast 64 and yardarm or flagstaff 64. As shown, a plastic or fiberglass rod 36 is pivotally hung from yardarm 64 by means of a U-shaped hook 63 attached thereto or by any other suitable means. A stanchion 73 including a clamp 75 for engaging and disengaging the free end of the rod 36 is fixedly attached to the deck 74. The stanchion 73 and clamp 75 are positioned in such a manner that the rod 36 is substantially vertical when engaged by the clamp 75.

The rod 36 is of a diameter which allows the day shapes and spacer tubes 48 to be run up thereon. A halyard line 66, one end of which is tied off at a cleat 71 on the mast 65 and other end of which is attached to an upper grommet 46' of the first day shaped to be hoisted, runs over pulleys 82, 82' on the yardarm 64 to hoist the day shapes up rod 36. If a plurality of day shapes are used, connecting lines, such a 67, 67 may be attached to the appropriate grommets 46 to interconnect the day shapes as shown in FIG. 6. The last day shape is secured to a tie down cleat 72 on stanchion 73 by a tie down 70 which secures a lowest grommet 46" of the last day shape to the tie down clear 72.

In operation, the rod 36 is unclamped and swung to a position indicated generally by the dotted lines in FIG. 6 in order to receive the closed day shapes which are required by law and the spacer tubes which separate the shapes a distance designated by law. Once the closed day shapes are interconnected by connecting lines and inserted on the rod 36, along with the spacer tubes 48, the day shape may be hoisted up to the appropriate height by the halyard line 66 which passes over the pulleys 82, 82' on yardarm 64. "After the closed day shapes and spacer tubes have been hoisted, the rod 36 is returned to a substantially vertical position where it is engaged by the clamp 75. Finally, the entire system is secured by the tie down 70 which attaches the lowest grommet 46" to the tie down cleat 72. The combined hoisting and tying down of the day shapes causes the slings of each day shape to pull the wings against the locks, as described above, thereby opening the day shapes and holding them in the open position.

The day shapes may be removed by reversing the steps set out above. Once the opened day shape has been removed from the rod 36, they may be manually closed by gripping the wings and rotating them such that the ribbed surfaces thereof are moved into substantial abutment with one another (see FIG. 4).

In the above embodiment, the rod 36 relieves much of the diagonal and horizontal strain normally exerted a safety feature which allows the halyard line to support the entire system in case of halyard failure.

Of course, the day shapes may be suspended by the halyard line alone in cases where -the use of the rod is impractical or undesired. In such a case halyard spacers would have to be employed. Alternatively, the use of the halyard lines may be eliminated, since the day shapes may be pushed into position by the spacer tubes from below.

As mentioned above, the day shapes are not limited to the circular or triangular configurations shown in the drawing. In this regard, it should be noted that the rope slings are preferably the same color as the day shapes, in all cases. Also, in the case of circular or round shapes, the grommets are a contrasting color because they are not symmetrically suited. However, in the case of diamond shapes, or any other shapes where the grommets could be construed to be part of the shape, the color of the grommets may be the same as that of the shapes.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiment will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify such specific embodiment and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should-andare intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiment.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and not of limitation.

What is claimed is:

l. A maritime signaling device for use on a marine vessel having a deck, mast and yardarm comprising:

a collapsible day shape, said day shape including a central hinge tube, a first wing assembly extending from said hinge tube, a second wing assembly extending from said hinge tube and crossing said first wing assembly, and means connected to said first and second wing assemblies for automatically opening said day shapes, wherein said first and second wing assemblies are rotatable about said central tube from a closed position to an opened position and from said opened position to said closed position, said closed position being assumed when said first and'second wing assemblies are substantially parallel and said opened position being assumed when said first and second wing assemblies are substantially perpendicular;

day shape support means for visually displaying said day shape, said day shape support means having a first end and a second end, said first end being pivotally attached to the yardarm;

hoisting means connected to said automatic opening means for actuating said automatic opening means and for running said day shapes up said day shape support means; and

clamping means for securing said day shape support means in a substantially vertical position and for engaging anddisengaging said second end of said day shape support means.

2. The device of claim 1 comprising a plurality of day shapes, and spacing means inserted between successive day shapes for maintaining a predetermined fixed distance therebetween.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said automatic opening means is an endless rope sling.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second wing assemblies include:

a tubular portion coaxial about said hinge tube and approximately one half the length thereof, said tubular portion having a protrusion thereon for engaging the other wing assembly; and a pair of substantially planar wings extending substantially radially from said tubular portion and approximately the same length thereas, said wings being offset in such a manner that they are not diametrically opposite but are occupying substantially parallel planes, said wings having apertures therethrough for receiving said automatic opening means and a slot in alignment with said tubular portion for receiving the tubular portion of the other wing assembly;

wherein the lines connecting the centers of saidapertures define a substantially isosceles trapezoid, the longest parallel side of which lies closest to said tubular portion about which they are symmetrical with similar apertures in the other wing.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said automatic opening means comprises an endless rope sling, said rope sling being strung through said apertures of one of said wings of said first wing assembly and one of said wings of said second wing assembly in such a manner that a force exerted on said rope sling in a direction parallel to said tubular member will force said wing assemblies into said opened position.

6. The device of claim 1. wherein said day shape support means is a cylindrical rod, said rod of such a diameter as to slidably receive said hinge tube.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said hoisting means includes:

a pulley fixedly attached to said yardarm; and

a halyard line running over said pulley, said halyard line having a first and second end, said first end being attached to said automatic opening means and said second end being attached to said mast near said deck.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said clamping means includes a stanchion fixedly attached to said deck, and a clamp integral with said stanchion for engaging and disengaging said second end of said day shape support means.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein said spacing means is a cylindrical tube. 

1. A maritime signaling device for use on a marine vessel having a deck, mast and yardarm comprising: a collapsible day shape, said day shape including a central hinge tube, a first wing assembly extending from said hinge tube, a second wing assembly extending from said hinge tube and crossing said first wing assembly, and means connected to said first and second wing assemblies for automatically opening said day shapes, wherein said first and second wing assemblies are rotatable about said central tube from a closed position to an opened position and from said opened position to said closed position, said closed position being assumed when said first and second wing assemblies are substantially parallel and said opened position being assumed when said first and second wing assemBlies are substantially perpendicular; day shape support means for visually displaying said day shape, said day shape support means having a first end and a second end, said first end being pivotally attached to the yardarm; hoisting means connected to said automatic opening means for actuating said automatic opening means and for running said day shapes up said day shape support means; and clamping means for securing said day shape support means in a substantially vertical position and for engaging and disengaging said second end of said day shape support means.
 2. The device of claim 1 comprising a plurality of day shapes, and spacing means inserted between successive day shapes for maintaining a predetermined fixed distance therebetween.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said automatic opening means is an endless rope sling.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second wing assemblies include: a tubular portion coaxial about said hinge tube and approximately one half the length thereof, said tubular portion having a protrusion thereon for engaging the other wing assembly; and a pair of substantially planar wings extending substantially radially from said tubular portion and approximately the same length thereas, said wings being offset in such a manner that they are not diametrically opposite but are occupying substantially parallel planes, said wings having apertures therethrough for receiving said automatic opening means and a slot in alignment with said tubular portion for receiving the tubular portion of the other wing assembly; wherein the lines connecting the centers of said apertures define a substantially isosceles trapezoid, the longest parallel side of which lies closest to said tubular portion about which they are symmetrical with similar apertures in the other wing.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said automatic opening means comprises an endless rope sling, said rope sling being strung through said apertures of one of said wings of said first wing assembly and one of said wings of said second wing assembly in such a manner that a force exerted on said rope sling in a direction parallel to said tubular member will force said wing assemblies into said opened position.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said day shape support means is a cylindrical rod, said rod of such a diameter as to slidably receive said hinge tube.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said hoisting means includes: a pulley fixedly attached to said yardarm; and a halyard line running over said pulley, said halyard line having a first and second end, said first end being attached to said automatic opening means and said second end being attached to said mast near said deck.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said clamping means includes a stanchion fixedly attached to said deck, and a clamp integral with said stanchion for engaging and disengaging said second end of said day shape support means.
 9. The device of claim 2 wherein said spacing means is a cylindrical tube. 